Drink-drive campaign launched

THE annual Christmas drink-drive crackdown begins today in a bid to reduce the death toll on Manchester roads. Extra police patrols will conduct roadside checks on thousands of drivers until the New Year.

THE annual Christmas drink-drive crackdown begins today in a bid to reduce the death toll on Manchester roads.

Extra police patrols will conduct roadside checks on thousands of drivers until the New Year.

All those caught over the limit will be named in the M.E.N.'s `Gallery of Shame' from Tuesday after they have appeared in the city or Salford magistrates' court.

There will also be 200 officers on patrol specially trained to carry out tests on drivers suspected of being on drugs.

Last Christmas, just over three per cent of drivers stopped tested positive for drink or drugs or refused to take the tests, down from five per cent the year before. Officers conducted 12,587 tests - more than 400 a day - and 434 motorists were caught. They faced a minimum 12-month ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and imprisonment.

The message this December is that one extra drink could put drivers over the limit.

Inspector Andy Hudson, who is leading the operation, said: "That one extra drink can mean loss of driving licence, loss of job or, much worse, loss of life.

"Different strengths of alcohol, size of measures and people's metabolism can all affect the amount of alcohol in their system. It's better to be safe than sorry and not to drink at all if planning to drive later."

In Manchester, in the last three years alcohol and drugs were contributory factors in 129 accidents, with 173 people killed or seriously injured.

"Last year, we saw a reduction in the numbers testing positive," said Insp Hudson. "However, more than 400 people drink driving is still far too many."

GMP's campaign coincides with the launch of the Department of Transport's national Think! Drink Drive campaign.

Manchester Council will launch its campaign on Monday with the authority's road safety team working alongside Manchester NHS to highlight the dangers. Sally Bradley, director of public health at Manchester Primary Care Trust, said: "Drinks are stronger and measures are larger these days, so you can't count one drink as one unit."

To report a drink driver call GMP on 0161 8725050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.Whatdo you think? Have your say.